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Around 200 protestors have gathered in Newport to voice their anger at the demolition of a mural dedicated to the chartist movement. The artwork was taken down by the council on Thursday as part of a £100m shopping centre development.

The artwork depicted the 1839 Chartist uprising in a subway off John Frost Square and was created in 1978.

Newport residents and members of Wales Green party will be further demonstrating against the removal of the Newport Chartists Mural.

The mosaic artwork was taken down on Thursday to make way for a new multi-million pound shopping area.

Protesters have been asked to wear black as sign of mourning at the loss of the mural.

In a statement Newport City Council says , The removal of the Chartist mural was part of essential pre-demolition work that had to be carried out before the major contract begins at the end of October. The mural was integrally linked to the car park.

The area was fenced off back in July following a survey of the Capitol car park by structural engineers that flagged up that urgent advance works were required for safety reasons to protect the public."

The decision was taken in March 2012 to replace Newport's Chartist Mural, as part of the redevelopment of the city centre, with a new 'Friars Walk' shopping complex.

Welsh heritage organisation Cadw decided not to list the mural at national level on grounds of special architectural interest.

The Chartist Mural was completed in 1978.

Newport City Council says it is "committed to commissioning an alternative solution to commemorate the Chartist movement and will be consulting with the public on the nature of this different form of celebration shortly."

"The council would like the new commemoration to celebrate the Chartist movement to be in a more accessible location which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, as well as enhancing the historical connection between Newport and the Chartist movement."